EDUCATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. Summary can be found in the Duties section below

Duties

• Summary: GS-1720-07: The primary purpose of this position to serve as an Academic Program Specialist and teaching assistant for the Department of Mathematical Sciences, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). Assists in promoting, coordinating, and improving education policies, programs, standards, activities, and opportunities in accordance with national policies and objectives for a formal, undergraduate educational program. Assists in academic program management, content delivery/refinement, to leverage student information systems and other platforms supporting student learning, to request/administer research grants, to work special projects, and to provide administrative support. This position is developmental to the target grade of GS-09 (reference CPD Number AR9804). All training must be completed and regulatory requirements met prior to promotion. GS-1720-09: The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an Academic Program Specialist and teaching assistant for the Department of Mathematical Sciences, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). Assists in promoting, coordinating, and improving education policies, programs, standards, activities, and opportunities in accordance with national policies and objectives for a formal, undergraduate educational program. Assists in academic program management, content delivery/refinement, to leverage student information systems and other platforms supporting student learning, to request/administer research grants, to work special projects, and to provide administrative support. Duties: GS-1720-07: 1. In a developmental capacity, applies professional education and/or subject matter experience to analyze, develop, coordinate, and evaluate issues and recommends development and/or revision of lesson plans, instructional methods, procedures, and educational materials. 2. Monitors, evaluates, and records student progress and performance. 3. Performs a broad range of administrative support work for the assigned educational program. 4. Maintains professional and technical expertise. GS-1720-09: 1. Applies professional education and/or subject matter experience to analyze, develop, coordinate, and evaluate issues and recommends development and/or revision of lesson plans, instructional methods, procedures, and educational materials. 2. Monitors, evaluates, and records student progress and performance. 3. Performs a broad range of administrative support work for the assigned educational program. 4. Maintains professional and technical expertise.

Qualifications

This is a developmental position; this position may be filled at the GS-07-Target-GS-09 Grade Level. The individual selected for the GS-07-Target-GS-09 position may be promoted to the target level without further competition upon meeting any legal and regulatory requirements. In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-1720, Education Program Series. *BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: A. A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in a field related to the work of the position to be filled, of which at least 9 semester hours must have been in education courses. NOTE: You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts. OR B. Combination of education and experience - at least 24 semester hours in a field related to the work of the position to be filled, of which at least 9 semester hours must have been in education courses, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The experience must reflect the level and kind described in C below. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. OR C. Four (4) years of experience that demonstrated a thorough understanding of the principles and practices underlying the work of this series. This experience must have been of such character and diversity to demonstrate an understanding of the field comparable to that normally acquired through successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Your resume must support this response. OR D. At least one (1) full academic year of professional teaching experience. This experience is defined as full and primary responsibility, under general supervision, for instruction of assigned students in an accredited school or institution. This includes responsibility for preparing and presenting lessons and for evaluating students' progress, including a determination of the students' success or failure according to established criteria. Serving in an assistant capacity to a professor without the authority to determine the students' success or failure to meet course requirements does not meet this criterion. NOTE: Your resume must support this response. AND In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-07: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-05, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes 1) Using professional knowledge of education theories, principles, processes, and practices at early childhood, elementary, secondary, or post-secondary levels; in adult or continuing education; or equivalent knowledge. 2) Providing practical knowledge of instructional system design to assist in analyzing educational learning problems and/or homework sets from banks of potential problems/questions. 3) Developing a practical knowledge of the Federal Government's interrelationships with State and local educational agencies or with public and private postsecondary institutions. 4) Providing a practical knowledge of mathematics techniques, principles, and procedures for calculating and assessing numerical data in the areas of algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and probability. 5) Assisting in detailed studies, anticipating and solving problems, and collecting, organizing, and interrelating large amounts of diversely formatted information drawn from a wide variety of sources; to include using instructional information technology in support of faculty operations at the undergraduate level. 6) Communicating effectively, orally and in writing. OR EDUCATION: Successful completion of one (1) year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement, related to the work of the position to be filled. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-09: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes 1) Using professional knowledge of education theories, principles, processes, and practices at early childhood, elementary, secondary, or post-secondary levels; in adult or continuing education; or equivalent knowledge. 2) Providing practical knowledge of instructional system design to assist in analyzing educational learning problems and/or homework sets from banks of potential problems/questions. 3) Providing a practical knowledge of the Federal Government's interrelationships with State and local educational agencies or with public and private postsecondary institutions. 4) Providing a practical knowledge of mathematics techniques, principles, and procedures for calculating and assessing numerical data in the areas of algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and probability. 5) Participating in detailed studies, anticipating and solving problems, and collecting, organizing, and interrelating large amounts of diversely formatted information drawn from a wide variety of sources; to include using instructional information technology in support of faculty operations at the undergraduate level. 6) Communicating effectively, orally and in writing. OR EDUCATION: Successful completion of two (2) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree, related to the work of the position to be filled. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS FOR GS-07/GS-09: GS-07: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-05 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-07 level. GS-09: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KSAs found in Education section below. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: GS-07: 1. Basic professional knowledge of education theories, principles, processes, and practices at early childhood, elementary, secondary, or post-secondary levels; in adult or continuing education; or equivalent knowledge. 2. Practical knowledge of mathematics techniques, principles, and procedures for calculating and assessing numerical data in the areas of algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and probability. 3. Ability to understand Federal Government interrelationships with State and local educational agencies or with public and private postsecondary institutions. 4. Ability to participate in detailed studies, anticipate and solve problems, and to collect, organize, and interrelate large amounts of diversely formatted information drawn from a wide variety of sources; to include ability to use instructional information technology in support of faculty operations at the undergraduate level. 5. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. GS-09: 1. Professional knowledge of education theories, principles, processes, and practices at early childhood, elementary, secondary, or post-secondary levels; in adult or continuing education; or equivalent knowledge. 2. Practical knowledge of instructional system design to assist in analyzing educational learning problems and/or homework sets from banks of potential problems/questions. 3. Practical knowledge of the Federal Government's interrelationships with State and local educational agencies or with public and private postsecondary institutions. 4. Practical knowledge of mathematics techniques, principles, and procedures for calculating and assessing numerical data in the areas of algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and probability. 5. Ability to participate in detailed studies, anticipate and solve problems, and to collect, organize, and interrelate large amounts of diversely formatted information drawn from a wide variety of sources; to include ability to use instructional information technology in support of faculty operations at the undergraduate level. 6. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. ********************ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICES MEMBERS******************** ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander. Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt

How to apply

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before starting the application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/21/2026, closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13062972 Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date, 09/21/2026. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 5. A complete Application Questionnaire 6. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 7. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here 8. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBs you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. 9. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. 10. Review all instructions prior to beginning your Assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. 11. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. 12. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources, click here To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Click here Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.